Oriental Negros Gov. George Arnaiz declared "war" against any form of human trafficking on Monday.

Arnaiz made the declaration during his presentation of the commitment of the provincial government to the campaign against human trafficking at the Bethel Guest House in Dumaguete City.

The affair was attended by representatives of non-government organizations and government agencies involved in the campaign.

The governor also read the contents of his Executive Order 04-06, which he signed also during the occasion: "The province of Oriental Negros is a strategic area in the fight against trafficking in persons, and that, it has already encountered cases of trafficking that makes it imperative to ensure stronger and more effective coordination of efforts among agencies and other stakeholders."

Under the EO, the governor created the Provincial Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons tasked to "undertake concrete actions to prevent trafficking in the province, rescue and recover victims, cause the prosecution of the offenders and ensure healing and effective reintegration of trafficking victims in Oriental Negros."

Arnaiz also said, "Trafficking in persons is recognized as the greatest human rights challenge for the 21st century and that its continued proliferation is unacceptable."

The council will be composed of 12 national and provincial government agencies headed by the governor.

The council, Arnaiz said, will also draft an ordinance that will ensure sustainability of the anti-trafficking efforts of the province. He said he hopes that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will adopt the proposal.*RA

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